India slips to 106th spot in World Prosperity Index

India has slipped by five places to 106th spot, way below neighbouring Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and China in the World Prosperity Index, largely due to poor 'safety and security' environment.

In the 'Prosperity Index' ranking of 142 countries compiled by London-based Legatum Institute, India dropped from 101st position last year, while Norway continues to remain at the top.

Besides, India has fallen down the prosperity index rankings consistently over the last five years, the report said.

The 2013 Legatum Prosperity Index evaluates nations in eight categories, including education, health, economy, safety and security.

India's position has dropped below neighbouring China (51), Sri lanka (60), Nepal (102) and Bangladesh (103).

At the top of the index, Norway defended its numero uno position for the fifth year. Switzerland is at second place, followed by Canada at third, Sweden at fourth and New Zealand at fifth.

Besides, in the 'Ease of Doing Business' report by World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) released earlier this week, India was ranked at 134th place while neighbours like China, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh were placed at better positions.

According to the report, India has slipped in the safety and security category by 21 places to 120 "due to an increase in property being stolen, assault rates, group grievances, and drop in the perception of feeling safe walking home alone at night."

Besides, the country has dropped by 45 places to 100 on personal freedom segment "due to a drop in the tolerance of immigrants and a drop in civic choice variables."

Moreover, the country ranked low on health ground (109 in the index), entrepreneurship and opportunity (104) and education (97).

Meanwhile, on the lower end of the rankings Chad stood at 142, Central African Republic (141), Congo (140), Afghanistan (139), Pakistan (132) and Iraq (130).